Apparatus and Method for Physical Exercise

ABSTRACT

A device and method for exercise are presented. The device includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, each with adjustable lengths. A first horizontal member is disposed through a first hole in each of the first and second vertical members. The first horizontal member is adjustable in length. A second horizontal member may be disposed through a second hole in each of the first and second vertical members. The first and second vertical members and the first horizontal member may be adjusted to provide an interference fit in door frame. For example, the lengths of the first and second vertical members and the length of the first horizontal member may be adjusted until ends of each member are in contact with corresponding door jambs of a door frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/129,022, filed on Mar. 5, 2015, now pending, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates to an apparatus used for physical conditioning andtherapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Recent evidence supports the importance of balancedhamstring-to-quadriceps strength in reducing the risk of injury amongparticipants of sports that require running, jumping, or kicking.Moreover, hamstring injuries are the most common soft-tissue injury inindividuals who engage in sprinting and organized sports. The importanceof avoiding this injury is magnified by the fact that an average of onein four hamstring injuries will recur. These findings have promptedresearchers to investigate the most effective means of correcting muscleimbalances and rehabilitating hamstring injuries. Current research showsthat regardless of sport type, eccentric hamstring loading is the mosteffective way to build strength and prevent hamstring injuries, as wellas to rehabilitate hamstring injuries. Finally, the strength and historyof hamstring muscle injuries is a major predictor of future trauma tostructures in which the hamstring acts as a major stabilizer, includingthe knee. For example, recent findings suggest that hamstring strengthdeficits or previous damage is a major risk factor for debilitatinginjuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) due to alteredhamstring muscle activation.

Given the strong support for eccentric hamstring loading, studies havecompared various eccentric exercise movements, and have found the Nordiccurl to be superior to other exercise modalities. The Nordic curlconsists of a kneeling position with an upright torso; the ankles areheld by a partner while the individual slowly descends forward,resisting and controlling the forward motion using eccentric(lengthening) hamstring contraction. This movement is emphasized byphysical therapists and strength coaches alike, but a major disadvantageof this movement is that it requires assistance. Attempts to encouragethe independence of the athlete in performing this movement haveresulted in little progress, and currently there is no marketalternative to allow individuals to perform these movements without theaid of a partner or within a commercial gym. Moreover, the eccentricloading inherent to this exercise often exceeds the capacity of anindividual, particularly after injury. While physical therapistsroutinely use fixed bands to reduce the load to the hamstring, this isyet another deficit in functional training options for an individual wholacks access to a sports medicine specialist and associated equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

To resolve the aforementioned deficiencies, the present disclosure isdirected to a hamstring exercise apparatus for the performance of anunassisted Nordic curl. The apparatus can be easily assembled and takendown using any standard door way. The stability of the disclosedapparatus allows for the attachment of assistance bands to eliminate theissue of inadequate strength which plagues most who attempt theexercise. To support the individual's strength gains, the apparatus canat first be used with thicker, less flexible bands that allow for lesshamstring load. As the individual gains strength and hamstringcoordination, the bands can be replaced with more flexible bands,allowing for incremental progress and continued strength gains. In theelite athlete, this strength may even allow for single-leg hamstringcurls and added weight. In providing a step-wise approach toward optimalhamstring function, the disclosed apparatus supports exercise that iseffective for hamstring strength gains, injury prevention, and injuryrehabilitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, wherein each of the vertical and horizontal membersare shown in two pieces with an adjustable coupling mechanism;

FIG. 2 is an annotated diagram of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a device of the present disclosure mountedin a door frame;

FIG. 4 depicts a portion of a device in use by an individual;

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of a device with assistance bands in use by anindividual; and

FIG. 6 is a chart showing a method according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With reference to FIG. 1, the present disclosure may be embodied as adevice 10 for use by an individual to exercise the hamstring. Byexercise, it should be understood that any conditioning or therapy, beit for strength, flexibility, rehabilitation or otherwise, is included.The device 10 is configured to be secured to the top 95 and lateralsides 90 of any door jambs without modification to the door frame (see,for example, FIG. 3). As such, the device 10 is adjustable as detailedbelow.

The device 10 comprises a first vertical member 12. The member 12 has anadjustable length in order to provide an interference fit with the upperjamb of the door opening 95 and threshold or floor surface 99. Forexample, the member 12 may be placed (at a shortened length) into theopening of a door frame in firm contact with the threshold or floorsurface 99 and extended to contact the upper jamb at the top of thedoorway 95. By placing the device 10 against the upper jamb and upperdoor stop, the member 12 will resist movement toward the user, meetingthe jamb to provide stability. The first vertical member 12 may beadjustable in length by way of sliding the tubing with the smallerdiameter into the vertical portion with the larger diameter, and byscrewing the coupling pieces until the desired height of vertical member12 is achieved, or in any other way. The adjustment may be lockable, forexample, once the vertical sliding tubes of member 12 are adjusted inlength and firmly in contact with upper jamb 95 and threshold or floorsurface 99 in a desired position. The device 10 may further cooperatewith door stops in order to prevent unintended removal from the doorframe 90 while in use.

The device 10 comprises a second vertical member 14 which is configuredsimilarly to the first vertical member 12. As such, the second verticalmember 14 has an adjustable length in order to provide an interferencefit secured between the threshold or floor surface 99 and upper jamb 95.

The device 10 further comprises a first horizontal member 20 configuredto be removably disposed through a first hole 16 in each of the firstand second vertical members 12,14, and wherein the first holes 16 are ata height h of the first and second vertical members 12,14 whereby theposterior ankles of the individual may be held near a floor by the firsthorizontal member 20 (for example, see FIGS. 4-5). In an exemplaryembodiment, the height h is selected such that the ankles are held “nearthe floor” at a position which is less than a length of the user's foot.In another embodiment, the height his selected such that the toes or theballs of an average user's feet is are contact with the floor when theposterior ankles are in contact with the first horizontal member. Inother embodiments, the height h may be more or less, as will be apparentto a person having skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.The first horizontal member 20 may alternatively be attached to thefirst and second vertical members 12,14 by, for example, welding,overlapping joints, etc.

The first horizontal member 20 may be configured to adjust in length insimilar fashion to the vertical members 12,14. For example, thehorizontal member 20 may have a coupling with a screw mechanism,concentrically arranged tubes, or otherwise. A coupling device maysecure horizontal member 20 to both lateral jambs 90. Securing thehorizontal members behind the door stop on the lateral jambs ensuresstability and eliminates the possibility of displacement toward the userwhile using the device 10. A horizontal member 30 may attach similarlyto provide maximum stability to device 10. In this way, the device 10may be laterally stabilized such that movement will be resisted in thedirection of the user. A horizontal member 40 may connect verticalmembers 12,14 to provide additional sites of band or tube attachment forassistance while performing the movement, and may utilize similarcouplers to enhance stability.

The first and second vertical members 12,14 may have more than one holefor securing the first horizontal member 20 at various heights toaccommodate individual anatomical differences and/or preferences. Thedevice 10 may further comprise a foam pad 22 or other cushion for theindividual's comfort (for example, see FIGS. 4-5). Each of the members12,14,20,30 may have ends covered by caps to provide for non-marringcontact with the upper jamb 95, lateral jamb 90 and threshold or floorsurface 99.

The device 10 may further comprise a second horizontal member 30configured to be removably disposed through secondary holes 18 in eachof the first and second vertical members 12,14. The second holes 18 areat a height on the first and second vertical member 12,14 that is higherthan the respective first holes 16. The second horizontal member 30 maybe used for further securing the device 10 to the lateral jambs 90. Bysecuring horizontal member positions against the lateral jambs 90 anddoor stops, forward displacement is prevented and stability ismaximized. In addition, the device 10 may further comprise a thirdhorizontal member 40 configured to be removably connected to each of thefirst and second vertical members 12,14. The attachment site may rely ona screw mechanism to the vertical members 12,14, and the length of thethird horizontal member may be adjusted by sliding tubing to desiredwidth or otherwise. Both the second horizontal member 30 and thirdhorizontal member 40 may be used for attachment of assistance bands 32.The assistance bands 32 may be, for example, elastic bands or tubes, orany other such assistance devices as will be apparent in light of thepresent disclosure. In this way, the individual may have assistance inrelieving some of the weight in lower/raising him or herself when usingthe device 10. The assistance bands 32 may also be attached and/or alongthe length of either vertical members 12,14 to provide lateralizedassistance for the Nordic curl to compensate for asymmetrical orinsufficient hamstring strength when using the device 10.

The assistance band 32 can be changed such to band(s) having a differentresiliency such that differing levels of assistance (or no assistance)can be selected. The height position at which the assistance band(s) areattached to the device 10 may be selectable to provide differingassistance profiles. For example, where the assistance band 32 isattached at a low-to-mid height of the horizontal member 30 of thedevice 10, the assistance may be significantly lower at the start of theexercise. Alternatively, attaching the assistance band(s) 32 at a highposition of the horizontal member 40 of the device 10 will provideassistance that is more directly related to the resistance of theassistance band(s) 32 themselves. These options allow for variableassistance depending on the range of the movement targeted by the user.

It should be noted that embodiments of a device according to the presentdisclosure may include additional horizontal and/or vertical members forincreased stability or otherwise. For example, in an embodiment (see,for example, FIG. 3), the device 10 further comprises a first couplingsleeve 42 and a second coupling sleeve 44. Each of the first and secondcoupling sleeves 42,44 is configured to slide along a length of thecorresponding first and second vertical members 12,14, respectively. Athird horizontal member 40 spans from the first coupling sleeve 42 tothe second coupling sleeve 44. Each of the first and second couplingsleeves 42,44 may further comprise a lock 43 for securing the respectivecoupling sleeve at a fixed vertical position of the correspondingvertical member. In this way, the assistance band(s) 32, or othercomponents, may be attached to the third horizontal member 40 andlocated at adjustable heights. The horizontal and/or vertical membersneed not have a circular cross section, but may use square tubing, orany other configuration as will be apparent in light of the disclosure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method 100 is provided.The method 100 comprises providing 103 a first vertical member and asecond vertical member, each having an adjustable length. An assembly isformed by disposing 106 a first horizontal member through a first holein each of the first and second vertical members. In some embodiments,the first horizontal member is removably disposed 106 through the firstand second vertical members—in this way, the assembly may bedisassembled for storage, transportation, etc. The first horizontalmember is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, a second horizontalmember is disposed 109 (for example, removably disposed) through asecond hole in each of the first and second vertical members. The secondhorizontal member is adjustable in length.

The assembly is fit 112 into a door frame such that ends of each of thefirst and second vertical members and ends of the first horizontalmember are in contact with door jambs of the door frame. By fitting 112the assembly into the door frame, it is intended that the assembly belocated at a position in the door frame, roughly co-planar with the doorframe, and the lengths of the first and second vertical members and thefirst horizontal member are adjusted such that each end of each memberis in contact with corresponding portions of the door jambs (see, e.g.,FIG. 3). By locating each end of each of the first and second verticalmembers and the first horizontal member adjacent to (i.e., “behind”—see,e.g., FIG. 5) door stops of the door frame, the assembly cannot bepulled through the doorway (in a direction toward the door stops) due tothe action of the door stops on the vertical and horizontal members. Thelengths of each of the first and second vertical members and the firsthorizontal member may be adjusted 115 to provide an interference fitwith to the door jambs.

The method 100 further comprises placing 118 the ankles of the userunder the first horizontal member. The user is kneeling, and placing 118the ankles under the first horizontal member provides that a posteriorof the ankles contacts the first horizontal member and the firsthorizontal member limits vertical movement of the ankles. By contactingthe first horizontal member, it is intended that the ankles are acted onby the first horizontal member to limit their vertical movement. Forexample, in some embodiments, the ankles may not be in direct contactwith the first horizontal member; for example, a foam pad or otherpadding may be disposed between the ankles and the first horizontalmember such that indirect contact is provided.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to oneor more particular embodiments, it will be understood that otherembodiments of the present disclosure may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Hence, the presentdisclosure is deemed limited only by the appended claims and thereasonable interpretation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hamstring exercise device for use by anindividual, comprising: a first vertical member having an adjustablelength and configured to be secured to a door frame by adjusting thelength to provide an interference fit with the door frame; a secondvertical member having an adjustable length and configured to be securedto the door frame by adjusting the length to provide an interference fitwith the door frame; and a first horizontal member configured to beremovably disposed through a first hole in each of the first and secondvertical members, and wherein the first holes are at a height of thefirst and second vertical members whereby a posterior of the ankles ofthe individual may be held near a floor by the first horizontal member.2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal member has anadjustable length and is configured to be secured to the door frame byadjusting the length to provide an interference fit with the door frame.3. The device of claim 2, wherein one or more of the first verticalmember, the second vertical member, and the first horizontal member aretelescoping.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the telescoping member(s)are configured to be locked at respective adjusted lengths.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising: a second horizontal memberconfigured to be removably disposed through a second hole in each of thefirst and second vertical members, and wherein the second holes are at aheight of the first and second vertical members which is higher than therespective first holes.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising oneor more assistance members connected to the second horizontal member,the first vertical member, and/or the second vertical member.
 7. Thedevice of claim 6, wherein the one or more assistance members areelastic bands.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of thefirst vertical member, the second vertical member, and the firsthorizontal member have a non-circular cross-section.
 9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein one or more of the first vertical member, the secondvertical member, and the first horizontal member have a cross-sectionshape that is elliptical or rectilinear.
 10. The device of claim 1,further comprising: a first coupling sleeve slidingly disposed on thefirst vertical member; a second coupling sleeve slidingly disposed onthe second vertical member; and a third horizontal member spanning fromthe first coupling sleeve to the second coupling sleeve.
 11. The deviceof claim 10, wherein each of the first and second coupling sleevesincludes a lock for securing each of the first and second couplingsleeve at a fixed vertical position on the first and second verticalmembers, respectively.
 12. A method, comprising: providing a firstvertical member and a second vertical member, each having an adjustablelength; disposing a first horizontal member through a first hole in eachof the first and second vertical members to form an assembly, whereinthe first horizontal member has an adjustable length; fitting theassembly into a door jamb such that an end portion of each of the firstand second vertical members and ends of the first horizontal member arein contact with the door jamb and adjacent to door stops of thedoorjamb; and while a user is kneeling, placing the ankles of the userunder the first horizontal member such that a posterior of the anklescontacts the first horizontal member and the first horizontal memberlimits vertical movement of the ankles.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein fitting the assembly into a door jamb may further compriseadjusting the lengths of each of the first and second vertical membersand the first horizontal member to provide an interference fit with tothe door frame.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising disposinga second horizontal member through a second hole in each of the firstand second vertical members, wherein the second horizontal member has anadjustable length.